Police initially detained Shi November 28, 2007, charging him with "illegal business practices," but officials ordered his release on January 4, citing insufficient evidence. He was arrested again on March 19.
Supporters say however hat his store, located near the Olympic Village, operated legally and sold only books for which he had obtained government permission.
Shi’s friends have reportedly said that as his health deteriorates, his wife and two daughters are suffering "extreme emotional distress" because they are forbidden to visit or pass on much-needed medication.
POLICE SURVEILLANCE
Visiting him has also become more difficult as police have reportedly placed Shi’s wife, Zhang Jing, and their two daughters under constant surveillance, reported Christian news agency Compass Direct News.
Chinese Christians have said that Zhang suffers from depression and the two girls cry often. Police are also monitoring the movements of Shi’s lawyer, to ensure that he makes no contact with foreign human rights groups, Compass Direct News said, citing local sources.
Rights watchers have said that China has stepped up a crackdown on active Chinese Christians ahead of the Beijing Olympic games, amid Communist Party concerns they will use the event to spread Christianity and gain international attention for their plight. The Chinese government has denied human rights abuses, saying Christians are free to worship in the ‘official’, government-backed churches.
